Full Day Fishing In Sarasota's Best Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full-day charter targets cobia, mackerel, and diverse gamefish speciesExpert captain provides local knowledge across Sarasota Bay watersSix to eight-hour adventure accommodates up to four guests
Ready to spend a full day chasing some of Florida's most sought-after gamefish? This 6 to 8-hour charter with Fish Moore Charters puts you right in the heart of Sarasota's top fishing grounds. We're talking about waters that consistently produce trophy catches – from the grass flats where redfish cruise to the deeper channels where king mackerel patrol. Captain Moore knows these waters like the back of his hand, and with years of local experience, he'll put you on fish whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet. Small groups of up to 4 anglers mean personalized attention and plenty of room to fight that fish of a lifetime.
Your day starts early when the fish are most active and the water's calm. We'll launch from one of Sarasota's premier marinas and head out to where the action is hottest that day. Some mornings that means working the mangrove shorelines for redfish, other days we might run out to the offshore structure for cobia and king mackerel. The beauty of this full-day trip is we've got time to hit multiple spots and adjust our game plan based on what's biting. You'll experience everything from sight fishing in skinny water to bottom fishing over structure – it's like getting three different charters rolled into one epic day. The boat's equipped with top-quality gear, but feel free to bring your lucky rod if you've got one. We'll provide all the tackle, bait, and local knowledge you need to make this a day to remember.
Sarasota Bay offers some of the most diverse inshore fishing in Florida, and we'll use every technique in the book to put fish in the boat. Early morning might find us throwing live shrimp under popping corks around dock pilings for sea trout, then switching to cut bait on the bottom for sheepshead around bridge structure. When we spot cobia cruising the flats, we'll fire up the trolling motor and get positioned for sight casting with live crabs or jigs. The grass flats are perfect for working soft plastics and spoons for redfish, especially when the tide's moving just right. Captain Moore reads the water conditions, weather, and seasonal patterns to decide whether we're fishing the backcountry creeks, the main bay, or venturing out to nearshore reefs. Each spot requires different tactics – from finesse fishing with light tackle to heavy bottom rigs that can handle the big boys.
The sheepshead around Sarasota are legendary for their size and fight. These black-and-white striped fighters love hanging around structure like docks, bridges, and artificial reefs. They're notorious bait thieves with their human-like teeth, but once you figure out their subtle bite, you'll be hooked on targeting them. Best fishing happens during cooler months when they school up thick around the bridges. King mackerel are the speed demons of the bunch – when one hits your bait, you'll know it immediately. These toothy critters make blistering runs and aerial displays that'll get your adrenaline pumping. We typically find the kings around nearshore reefs and structure, especially during spring and fall migrations. Sea trout are the bread-and-butter fish of Sarasota Bay, and for good reason. They're willing biters, fight well for their size, and taste fantastic on the dinner table. Look for them around grass flats and drop-offs, particularly during dawn and dusk feeding periods. Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing here. These copper-colored bulldogs will test your drag system and your arms. They're year-round residents, but spring and fall offer the best action when they school up in shallow water. Cobia are the wild cards that can make your entire trip. These brown sharks (that's what locals call them) show up when you least expect it, often following rays or cruising the flats solo. They're curious fish that respond well to sight casting, and a 30-pound cobia will give you a fight you won't soon forget.
This full-day charter offers the complete Sarasota fishing experience at an unbeatable value. With Captain Moore's local expertise and the boat's fish-finding capabilities, you're set up for success from the moment we leave the dock. Whether you're looking to check multiple species off your bucket list, introduce the family to serious fishing, or just spend a relaxing day on some of Florida's most beautiful waters, this trip delivers. The small group size means everyone gets hands-on instruction and plenty of chances to get their line wet. Don't wait – the best fishing days book up fast, especially during peak season. Contact Fish Moore Charters today and reserve your spot for what could be the fishing trip of a lifetime. Your cooler will thank you, and you'll already be planning your next adventure before we even tie up back at the dock.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the gentle giants of our waters - dark brown bruisers that average 30-60 pounds and can hit 100+. These curious fish often swim right up to the boat, making them perfect for sight fishing around buoys, channel markers, and floating debris in 20-60 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May is prime time when they move through Sarasota Bay heading north. What makes them special? They're incredibly smart fish that will follow lures and study your boat. When hooked, they bulldoze toward structure with surprising power. The payoff is some of the best eating in the Gulf - firm, white meat that rivals any restaurant fish. They're also farm-raised commercially, so wild ones are a real treat. My go-to technique: sight cast a bucktail jig or live crab when you spot one cruising the surface.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are speed demons that'll test your drag and your nerves. These silver bullets average 20-40 pounds around Sarasota, but 60+ pounders patrol the deeper waters offshore. You'll find them from 40-150 feet, often near structure or temperature breaks where baitfish gather. Spring through fall offers the best fishing when they migrate through our waters following schools of sardines and blue runners. What gets anglers hooked? Pure speed and power - a king mackerel strike is like getting hit by lightning, followed by screaming runs that can empty your reel. They're excellent eating too, with firm white meat perfect for the grill. Local secret: use a stinger hook rig with live bait since kings love to bite the tail section first, then come back for the head.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the golden prize of shallow water fishing around Sarasota. These copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails typically range 18-28 inches in our waters. You'll spot them tailing in 1-4 feet around oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and grass flats throughout the bay. They're year-round residents, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action. What gets anglers fired up? Sight fishing to tailing reds is pure adrenaline - watching one crush a topwater lure in skinny water never gets old. They fight like freight trains and make excellent table fare with sweet, firm meat. Plus, they're protected gamefish, so there's real conservation value. Pro tip: look for nervous water and muddy spots where they're rooting for crabs - a gold spoon worked slowly often triggers violent strikes.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are the bread and butter of Sarasota Bay fishing. These silvery beauties with black spots typically run 14-20 inches, perfect for a family fish fry. You'll find them in 2-8 feet of water around grass flats, especially near drop-offs and channels. They love structure like docks and oyster bars where baitfish concentrate. Spring through fall provides steady action, but summer nights under lights can be magic. What makes them popular? They're willing biters that fight well for their size and taste great with tender, flaky meat. They're also perfect for kids learning to fish. Best local tip: fish the grass flats at dawn and dusk with live shrimp under a popping cork - the noise draws them in from surprising distances.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are easy to spot with their black and white stripes - locals call them convict fish for good reason. These guys have human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs around docks, bridges, and any structure with growth on it. Most run 1-8 pounds, but we've seen 20-pounders that'll surprise you. They're year-round residents in Sarasota Bay, though spring brings the best action when they spawn around passes and jetties. What makes them special? They're notorious bait thieves with light bites, so you need quick reflexes to hook up. Once on, they fight hard and make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Pro tip: get your bait tight against the pilings - they won't chase it far from cover, and use fiddler crabs or shrimp for best results.
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